Music is something which is so touching that it makes us stop and see the magic in the plain view. This is precisely what Ophelia Moon does in his Magic and Daffodils, and this is why it is a dreamlike oasis of poetic images and soothing melodies that come together to uncover the secrets of existence.
The thing that first catches your attention with the latest work of the Philadelphia-based artist is the fragility of vulnerability and strength. The songwriting of Darren O. Moon is complemented by a warm vocal and a thoughtful instrumentation by Maya Mikity and Ricky Mazzamauro, making something that is both personal and universal. The result of the collaboration is organic and unhurried sound that gives each element a chance to breathe in the composition.
The most impressive thing about the song is that it can turn the most mundane things into something transcendental. By alluding to mythical beings and nature, Ophelia Moon creates a story that appeals to the magic hidden inside of us – the aspects of our personality that sometimes remain unknown or underestimated. The storytelling has a nostalgic form but is not necessarily rooted in the past but is instead a way of looking at the present through the prism of memory to see beauty.
The folk-pop setting is ideal to the reflective character of the song, never overpowering the reflective lyrics, but lending it enough melodic ornamentation to see them through the emotional terrain. The vocals of Maya Mikity are dreamy enough to put the fantastical aspects in the realms of true feeling.
Magic and Daffodils can be called a success since it does not demand attention, it asks to be contemplated. This is background music, music to listen to when we need to have our faith restored in the idea that there is wonder in the world, so long as we take the time to seek it out. This is truly a healing work by Ophelia Moon.